When a convention center is blown up with magic and a mysterious, riddle-filled letter appears in Riker's office, Cal and his team are assigned to figure out who's responsible for the attack and where the next one will be in two days time. But between possible vampire involvement, the werewolves seeming to know more than they're letting on, the instability of the ICM now that they have no leader, and a rogue witch faction still running about, two days may not be enough.

*I received an ecopy of this book from the author. This has not influenced my review.*

These books are just so readable. They’re action-packed and perfectly paced, and once I pick one up, I don’t want to put it down until I’ve finished. And even then, I just want more!

Cal was yet again great too. He’s one of my favorite protagonists because he’s so not the stereotypical male lead you often see in urban fantasy. He’s realistic and sarcastic and vulnerable and compassionate and respectful and dealing with PTSD and sometimes overwhelmed but still badass. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him quite so badass though as when he evacuated that building, which is odd considering I’ve seen him take on countless monsters and gods and supernaturals. But this poor guy can’t manage to go even one book without ending up in a hospital.

He’s not the only great character though. I love Cooper and his feistiness. And actually, for someone who’s an archivist and doesn’t even work out in the field, Cooper sure gets in a lot of trouble too. The rest of Cal’s team is also great. I even liked the new character, Lucian, though I can understand why Cal hates him.

Also, I gotta say, I find it really entertaining that the villain who created the wraiths not only stole and reanimated a whole bunch of corpses but then also dressed them up in cloaks and gave them all scythes. That’s commitment. That’s a villain with style.

I also like how the author always keeps the horrible things that happen suitably horrible and serious and full of emotional impact rather than glossing over them. Especially with everything happening in the real world right now, I appreciate that she gave the incidents in the book the weight that they deserved.

The only thing I didn’t like was the one or two sentence chapter openings that referenced something later in the chapter, like Cal had already experienced everything and knew what was going to happen. They were confusing and threw me out of the story, especially since the POV is first person present. But that was a minor thing.

There’s one other thing I want to talk about because I’m excited… but I’ll save that for the next review so that I won’t spoil anything!

Overall, this was another gripping, action-packed book in the series, and I can’t wait to read more about Cal and his team!

Recommended For:

Fans of Books 1 and 2 in Clara Coulson's City of Crows Series. Anyone who likes action-packed urban fantasy, supernatural creatures, a hilariously snarky but also realistic and compassionate protag, and touching friendships/team dynamics.

It’s another bright and sunny day in Aurora, Michigan…when a mysterious building collapse kills sixty-seven people.

It’s been four months since the devastating battle on Primrose Avenue, and DSI still has its hands full. The local ICM chapter is now unstable, no leader to corral its members. The werewolves are moving in strange ways, like they’re keeping secrets. And there’s a traitor inside DSI, waiting to strike again.

Cal Kinsey and his team, now back on the job, are desperately searching for the answers they need to restore balance in the supernatural community. But so far, they’ve had little success.

Then, to make matters exponentially worse, a major Aurora convention center collapses without warning, killing dozens and injuring hundreds more. With all signs pointing to a supernatural terrorist attack, Cal and his team are thrust back into the danger zone once again. And this time, they’re playing for keeps.

Because according to the riddle-filled letter that arrives on DSI’s doorstep, addressed to one Captain Nicholas Riker…the destruction of Aurora is only just beginning.

I’m so glad you’re able to race through this series and enjoy all the sequels so much as well! Also, I’m loving the sound of this villain. For some reason it makes me think of Loki. Gotta love a villain with style and who puts effort into his villainous ways.

Compassionate and respectful – you’re right, Cal is 100% an atypical UF protagonist! Haha. It’s been ages since I’ve read a book that featured both werewolves and vampires, but your review is making me super nostalgic for those books. Clearly I need some more UF in my life right now. Maybe I’ll pick up the first City of Crows book! :)